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Post by Pat on Oct 8, 2016 20:10:49 GMT -5
I hear that Kokoweef Cavern stalagmites and stalactites are onyx. However, we dunked a small piece in muriatic acid. Lots of fizzing. Doesn't that mean it's a carbonate?
Thanks.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494
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Post by Sabre52 on Oct 8, 2016 21:41:59 GMT -5
Pat: Cave onyx is actually travertine which is calcium carbonate....Mel
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Post by vegasjames on Oct 9, 2016 21:33:22 GMT -5
Onyx is a term used for both a form of calcedony, but also for some calcites such as Mexican onyx, honey onyx, etc.
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Post by Pat on Oct 9, 2016 22:47:36 GMT -5
I'd like to know why one word is used for two different rocks. Will find other samples of same idea such as jade for jadeite and for nephrite. Must be others.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2016 23:45:10 GMT -5
I'd like to know why one word is used for two different rocks. Will find other samples of same idea such as jade for jadeite and for nephrite. Must be others. It's because humans are.... Well... Human. Agate form onyx has value. So use it to describe similar but cheaper materials 'adds value'. It is also why common names suck. Many things in China are called jade. wampidytoo can probably enlighten us more on this topic. Even calling a jasper agate is an attempt to increase perceived value. It's what dishonest sales folks do. |
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Post by Pat on Oct 30, 2016 19:55:33 GMT -5
NEXT QUESTION:
If I have a big chunk from the cave, how can I tell if if is part of stalagmite, or part of a stalactite?
I figure that if the long thin pieces are more tapered, they dropped from the ceiling.
If shorter and stubbier, they dropped onto the ground and built up.
Opinion?
Thanks.
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Post by Pat on Oct 31, 2016 10:29:12 GMT -5
Anyone have an opinion on my NEXT QUESTION above?
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Post by washingtoncharlie on Oct 31, 2016 12:16:08 GMT -5
Pat, I googled stalagmite pics, I would say that you have made a correct assumption judging by the pictures.
washingtoncharlie
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2016 13:24:18 GMT -5
Having been in a half dozen cave tours (not enough!) I have noticed that when mites and tites get close to forming a column they are similar in proportion.
Proportions may be a good guide but won't be definitive.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494
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Post by Sabre52 on Nov 1, 2016 8:19:18 GMT -5
Since travertine ( cave onyx) is a drip formation, specimens exhibit layers when in cross section. Stalagmites do tend to be stubbier or column formations but both examples, hanging from the ceiling or building up below, exhibit those same concentric bands as the drip drip of calcium carbonate bearing water slowly applies more layers to the formation over time. Even seen pics where animal skeletons have had the layers build up on them over time creating travertine formations...Mel
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Post by 1dave on Nov 18, 2016 6:55:06 GMT -5
NEXT QUESTION: If I have a big chunk from the cave, how can I tell if if is part of stalagmite, or part of a stalactite? I figure that if the long thin pieces are more tapered, they dropped from the ceiling. If shorter and stubbier, they dropped onto the ground and built up. Opinion? Thanks. Many years ago when visiting " The Heart of Tempanogas" Cave  Our tour guide said: |
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Post by Pat on Nov 18, 2016 11:18:34 GMT -5
1daveDave quotes his tour guide: T o remember which is which, just remember a person with ants in their pants.
When the mites go up, the tites go down.
Yes, I learned that years ago, too. My focus was on when the mite or tie is sitting on your kitchen table, how can you tell. See above comments. Interesting!
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Post by 1dave on Nov 18, 2016 12:00:15 GMT -5
I found this interesting:  Stalactites and stalagmites grow in caves both above and underneath the ground. That process takes thousands of years, but why wait so long? With this science experiment for kids, you can make your own small 'tites and 'mites within a few days. What You'll Need: Two jars Water Epsom salts String Small weights Plate Step 1: Fill two jars with warm water. Step 2: Mix in Epsom salts until no more will dissolve. Step 3: Wet a piece of string, and tie a weight to each end. Step 4: Drop one end of the string into each jar. Step 5: Put a plate between the two jars, with the string hanging over the plate. Step 6: Check your "cave" at least once a day to see if stalactites and stalagmites have formed. By the way, if you're wondering which are which, try this rule: Stalactites have to hold on tight to stay on the ceiling of the cave. Stalagmites have to be mighty to stand up on the floor of the cave. Or looking at it another way, stalactites with a "c" grow down from the ceiling while stalagmites with a "g" grow up from the ground. |
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Post by 1dave on Nov 18, 2016 12:11:12 GMT -5
But to your question, after searching the web,
Really? There has to be a difference from drops hanging down from a point and drops flowing down from a point.
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